Chapter 33
Chapter 33
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: Don Quixote (9)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The mourning procession for Don Quixote lasted for several days.
Streets echoed with elegies, and lines of mourners stretched on endlessly.
Because of this, those who had no interest in books wondered what on earth was going on.
They were mostly commoners, since even with Edn's efforts, books remained expensive.
Edn had advanced printing technology, but paper was still costly, after all.
In any case, wherever the second volume of Don Quixote spread, the atmosphere was much the same.
The imperial family even took advantage of the phenomenon.
They held an event in honor of Don Quixote.
Of course, Edn received an invitation to this event as well.
"No, Your Highness."
He couldn't help but be flustered when he first received the invitation.
It was so sudden, after all.
Damn it, I was just trying to check out the newly completed lab.
On his way to the lab, Biena came rushing up, so he figured something was up.
Opening the invitation, he saw it was from the Fourth Prince, Nathan Fleur.
It announced a Don Quixote memorial service in the capital and invited him, the author.
Naturally, his first reaction was disbelief.
He had no intention of holding one himself, yet the imperial family went ahead and did it anyway, then invited him.
Of course, it wasn't that he hadn't thought about it at all.
Something like a fan fiction contest, perhaps.
Or having people submit their impressions after reading the book.
If not that, a contest for entirely new works might have been fine too.
But it was a hassle, and he had so many other things to do, so it stayed just a thought.
The imperial family really did whatever they pleased.
Still, he couldn't ignore it.
Rlangbur was pro-imperial, after all, and snubbing it would cause all sorts of problems.
Even if it was just the Fourth Prince, he couldn't refuse outright.
So, pondering what to do, he asked Katiranya.
She replied as if wondering why he was agonizing over something so trivial.
"Just don't go."
"...Then my head might roll."
"In that case, go. Building ties with the imperial family could make things easier down the line, no?"
Ties with the imperial family.
They were pro-imperial, sure, but had no direct connections to the family itself.
He had some familiarity with House Apontuna, but that didn't extend to the throne.
In the end, he decided to go.
The Fourth Prince wasn't forcing him, and he figured he could gain something from it too.
No real loss there.
Though he had no idea why they were holding such an event.
A few days later, upon arriving at the event waiting room, the prince greeted him warmly.
He extended a hand with a polished, public smile.
"Thanks for coming."
"Haha, of course I had to."
Gripping his hand, Edn forced a sugary smile and sweet words.
Releasing it, he bowed politely to Prince Nathan.
"Thank you for the invitation."
The prince had light brown hair and red eyes.
Reportedly, all imperial hair colors varied, but their eye color was uniformly the same.
That was why red eyes were common in House Apontuna, deeply tied to the throne.
In short, dominant genetics.
Prince Nathan smiled as he spoke.
His smile was like that of a benevolent king granting favor to a vassal.
"Think nothing of it. For producing such a magnificent book, this much is only natural."
Damn, this is going to make me famous.
He smiled outwardly, but inside, he was troubled.
He hadn't anticipated his face becoming known through this.
So he pondered how to avoid fame as the author.
As he'd said before, he had no plans to reveal himself now, whatever the future might hold.
Getting recognized could lead to humiliations like those suffered by others.
But as if reading his mind, Nathan spoke up.
"It might feel burdensome. But don't worry—we'll provide a perception-lowering artifact and a mask."
"Really? Ah, no. Thank you."
He momentarily overreacted in surprise.
Quickly recovering, the prince waved it off with a laugh.
"Haha, it's only natural."
No, you madman.
In hindsight, they didn't have to hold the event at all.
Of course, he knew why the imperial family was doing this.
They were riding the wave of his book's popularity to solidify their position.
As seen in the recent council, nobles didn't always follow the emperor's word.
Divided into pro-imperial and noble factions, the throne needed to pull as many nobles to its side as possible.
Pro-imperial ones obeyed by definition.
Noble faction respected and followed the emperor but sometimes ignored orders.
Of course, only high-ranking or powerful ones dared.
Lower nobles couldn't easily defy him.
Even so, in noble society, influence let even low ranks ignore commands at times.
In any case, the imperial family was always seeking ways to bolster its standing.
His novel presented a perfect opportunity, so they seized it.
Nathan laughed, then suddenly grew serious, whispering as if switching masks.
"The imperial family is watching."
Maybe it wasn't just about position.
Edn nodded without adding anything.
"...An honor."
It was a warning to watch his behavior.
In other words, be careful with his writing.
The reason was obvious.
Don Quixote skewered not just knights but high nobles without mercy.
Luckily, its popularity saved him; otherwise, he might have been quietly eliminated.
They could see his words as a threat to imperial safety.
Seeing Edn's serious expression, the prince patted his shoulder familiarly.
"Come now, it's a good day—smile. And truly, don't worry. Just fill the spot for us."
"Yes, understood."
Then why drag me here?
The complaint nearly escaped, but he couldn't say that to a prince.
He could only smile and play along.
Still, maybe he could land a blow someday.
Coming for gain but leaving with heartburn didn't sit well.
Nathan soon gestured for him to follow, as the event was starting.
Trailing him, Edn saw the artifact and mask mentioned earlier.
Donning them, he followed again to the prepared stage.
The Fourth Prince, who seemed to be hosting, opened the ceremony.
Fine words flowed, but Edn barely registered them.
Lost in a daze,
"And today, we have a special guest—the author of Don Quixote himself!"
"Ah."
Is he really insane?
The realization hit: he was the killer of Don Quixote.
What treatment would he get standing center stage?
Hesitating briefly, Nathan changed his words.
"Or so I'd like to say, but regrettably, it's not the author. Still, he's a close associate, so give him a warm welcome."
Phew, at least he has some tact.
He nearly cursed the prince but held back.
One thing nagged, though: Nathan was gauging his reaction.
Did he want a good relationship?
Intriguing, but not pressing now.
Unlike before, he rose confidently.
Walking to center stage, he scanned the crowd.
Many attendees, all holding Don Quixote books.
Multiple volumes meant one each, but it said enough.
They're sincere.
Standing center with a more earnest mindset, Nathan yielded the spot.
Edn took his place and thought briefly.
Pulled out unprepared, suddenly onstage.
He had to say something, but no eloquent words came.
Truth be told, he wasn't thrilled about being dragged here by the imperial family.
Even rationalizing it as for his own gain.
So, teasing them a bit should be fine, right?
Nathan would understand.
Clearing his throat, he spoke.
"Everyone, thank you for your deep interest in Don Quixote's death and for mourning him. The imperial family must truly feel it too, to hold this memorial. I'm sure the author would be delighted."
Somehow amplified without magic, his voice rang everywhere.
Like being in a Greek open-air theater.
Attendees first looked puzzled.
Naturally so.
Not announced as author, just an acquaintance.
And the imperial family wasn't sincerely mourning.
His noble phrasing dissed the throne, so confusion was expected.
But the next part would be fun.
"Everyone, have you ever thought of sending fan letters to the author?"
He'd never received any.
Jenectra didn't accept private mail.
Only business correspondence, so no fan letters.
Plus, his info wasn't public, so impossible anyway.
No address to send to.
But that would change now.
Raising both arms high, he shouted for all to hear.
"I guarantee it! Soon, you'll all be able to send fan letters to author Prometheus!"
Silence followed his cry.
Then cheers erupted.
"Waaah!"
"Is that true?!"
"Of course! If not, hang me by the neck!"
Staking his neck turned doubters to cheers.
Amid the roar, he could only chuckle inwardly.
They believed partly because it was an imperial event hosted by the Fourth Prince.
But not the main reason.
Proof of Don Quixote's immense popularity.
Trusting a mere unidentified acquaintance.
Whether sincere or not, one thing was clear.
In game terms, he was marching toward a cultural victory.
Not his only aim, though.
Put differently, he wielded considerable influence.
Enough for the imperial family to take notice.
"Thank you. May freedom find its way to your hearts. May you forget reality, if only for a moment."
He wove in frequent Don Quixote terms.
They loved it.
Descending, Nathan watched with a meaningful smile.
Why stare like that?
Puzzled, Nathan passed by with a smirk,
patting his shoulder and whispering.
"Be careful. I don't mind, but His Majesty might."
Ah, something was off.
Edn nodded.
"I'll be careful."
"Good. Now, let's proceed with the event."
Something wrong with his words, but what?
He pondered but drew a blank.
Did he not know the imperial family well, or was he still adapting to this world?
One thing nagged.
"Surely not because of 'freedom'?"
Overinterpreted, it could mean freedom from the emperor.
But that far?
"Nah, no way."
He dismissed it, but it lingered.
Ask Pretina or Esili later.
If he remembered.
For now, focus on the event.
Looking ahead, the opening had passed.
A man with a fine voice read Don Quixote aloud.
Ugh, that's embarrassing—a little, no, a lot.
Wearing a mask, yet his face flushed.
The true author was elsewhere, so why feel shame?
Hearts are unknowable.
Suppressing emotions, he watched the memorial.
It lasted hours, with laughter and tears from participants.
Finally, it neared its end.
Having read Don Quixote in joy and sorrow, now it was time to let go.
"Thank you all for joining. It was worth preparing."
Nathan continued.
His voice seemed sad, yet somehow hollow.
"But now, it's time to let him go. Everyone, honor him."
Nathan first clasped hands prayerfully.
In this religion-dominant world, it was natural.
Praying for divine mercy, guidance for the soul's journey.
Even for a fictional character.
The throne might not care, but fans were genuine.
Perhaps seeking escape like Don Quixote, however brief.
Nothing wrong with that.
Chasing ideals, dreaming illusions—what harm?
If it brings solace, strength to face tomorrow.
Unless harming others, of course.
Edn prayed too.
May they never turn blades on him in the future.
Thus, the Don Quixote memorial concluded.